John Luessenhop, a multi-talented individual, has made a significant impact in the film industry with his unique style and direction. He successfully rebooted the iconic horror franchise with Texas Chainsaw 3D, earning his second #1 US box office opening in a span of just over two years. This achievement is impressive, considering his previous success with Takers, an action film that surprised the box office and opened at #1 two summers prior.
Takers, which was released on video, further solidified its success by topping U.S. charts for sales, rentals, and video-on-demand purchases. Luessenhop's ability to create engaging and popular films has earned him recognition in the industry.
Before his feature film debut with Lockdown, an independently produced urban prison drama, Luessenhop had already made a name for himself in the world of short films. His 33-minute featurette TICK...TICK...TICK... premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and went on to win Best Short Film at the Universal's Florida Film Festival.
Born in McLean, Virginia, Luessenhop is a proud alumnus of the University of Virginia and Georgetown Law School. Prior to pursuing a career in film, he worked as a successful corporate attorney. His transition to film direction was marked by his gritty style, which he showcased through his work on the television series "America's Most Wanted," where he directed over 20 episodes, including two national cop-of-the-year stories.
Luessenhop's personal life is just as impressive, with him residing in Beverly Hills, CA with his wife and three sons. His dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt to different genres have made him a respected figure in the film industry.
